Families are having fun without overheating this weekend
Families looking for fall fun at Howell's Pumpkin Patch are finding everything from classic slides and swings to something decidedly chill: goat cuddling.
The fifth-generation farm near Cumming draws crowds for its low-key animal encounters and an array of kid-friendly attractions.
“It’s nice when you can come with friends and just get out of the house. Kids love swinging, love the animals — a huge hit,” said Kelsey Davis, a stay-at-home mom visiting with a friend.
Nearby, children shrieked as they rocketed down a towering slide.
“It’s awesome. Kids love it,” Davis said.
A few sprinkles fell Friday, and forecasters expect temperatures in the 90s Saturday, but owner Fred Howell said the heat shouldn’t deter visitors.
“On the playground, there’s big, mature trees that have been here for a hundred-plus years — there’s plenty of shade to find if you need it,” Howell said.
For those eyeing apples, Bryan Etchen of Iowa Orchard and Pie Bakery said the final weekend for pick-your-own at the Granger location is underway.
“We’ve been doing pick-your-own apples,” Etchen said. “Then we’re going to move it here, to be picking here next week through the rest of the season,” at the Urbandale site off Meredith Drive.
Pick-your-own won’t start in Urbandale until next weekend, but the storefront is open now with an assortment of homemade treats.
Whether it’s crisp apples, warm bakery goods, or a quiet moment goat cuddling, central Iowa’s fall flavors — and farmyard comforts — are in full swing.
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